Los Angeles Dodgers vs San Francisco Giants Baseball Predictions

by Steve Hastings on Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

Los Angeles Dodgers (14-7) vs. San Francisco Giants (9-10) Baseball Predictions: National League West Divisional action continues tonight, as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants play the rubber game of the series, beginning at 7:15 PM PT (10:15 PM ET), from the picturesque AT&T Park stadium on the East Bay.

Last night, the Angelinos were able to knot this series up at one game apiece thanks to some lousy Frisco defense and pitching. Two unearned runs came across to score in the 2nd and 4th innings, along with three wild pitches and nine walks issued by the Giants.

After tying the game in the bottom of the 8th, thanks to a bases-loaded walk, Bob Howry gave up the winning runs in the 9th as Dodgers prevailed, 5-3.

However, if there was ever a series-clincher the San Francisco Giants could win it would certainly be tonight’s, as reigning National League Cy Young winner RHP Tim Lincecum (1-1, 2.96 ERA) takes the mound. He will be going up against the Joe Torre’s undefeated ace, LHP Eric Stults (2-0, 3.52 ERA).

To the delight of Giants fans, Lincecum has come thru when it matters most, as he remains perfect against their hated interstate rival Dodgers, 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA. In Lincecum's short, yet spectacular career, the 5’10” 170-pound righty is 26-11, including a 12-5 mark against division foes: 4-1 against Arizona and 3-2 against both Colorado and San Diego.

Last season, Lincecum may have secured the Cy Young Award with his season-ending effort against Los Angeles, when he struck out 13 Dodgers in seven innings of work, while allowing just one run and four hits.

This season, the lanky righty intends to continue to push the Giants’ pitching staff creating a friendly rivalry. "It motivates each other to want to be better," Lincecum said. "I'm not saying I'm better than (Matt) Cain or (Barry) Zito. You take it upon yourself to be as good as you can."